Robotic Lawn Mower Camera Lighting for Near-Far Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic lawn mowers face challenges in effectively detecting objects at different distances in dark or low-light conditions, necessitating improved environmental detection systems that can handle varying illumination requirements.
Innovation Solution
A robotic lawn mower equipped with a camera arrangement featuring at least two light sources with different optical characteristics, enabling tailored illumination and algorithm selection based on environmental conditions, along with a control unit to process images and adjust light intensity dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single light source is used to illuminate the environment, then the camera can capture images in dark conditions, but objects at different distances cannot be sufficiently detected due to overexposure of close objects and insufficient illumination of distant objects
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple light sources with different optical characteristics. Each light source is responsible for illuminating a specific distance range, with the first light source illuminating close objects and the second light source illuminating distant objects, thereby avoiding overexposure and ensuring uniform illumination across all distances
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the illumination system are given different optical properties tailored to their specific functions. The first light source has optical characteristics optimized for close-range illumination while the second light source has characteristics optimized for long-range illumination, allowing each component to perform its function optimally
2Measurement precision
If light intensity is increased to illuminate distant objects, then distant objects can be detected, but close objects become overexposed
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination task is divided into two segments: close object illumination handled by the first light source and distant object illumination handled by the second light source. This segmentation allows each light source to operate at optimal intensity levels without causing overexposure or insufficient illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different light sources based on the distance to the target object. The control unit determines which light source to activate based on real-time conditions, allowing the illumination characteristics to adapt dynamically to the detection requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If external light sources are used for night vision, then the camera can operate in darkness, but the light distribution cannot be optimized for both object detection and visual odometry simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The camera arrangement with multiple light sources serves multiple functions: object detection, avoidance navigation, visual odometry, and SLAM. The same illumination system supports different algorithms and detection tasks, reducing the need for separate specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters (light beam direction, collimation, focus, dispersion) to adapt to different detection requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the same hardware configuration can optimize illumination for different tasks such as object detection or visual odometry
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances object detection capabilities in varying light conditions by optimizing illumination and algorithm usage, ensuring clear imaging without overexposure, and supporting versatile environmental sensing with additional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
the co-operating light sources are constituted by light emitting diodes, LEDs
Implementation Method 2
at least two light sources adapted to emit light towards the environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a robotic lawn mower (100) comprising an environmental detection system (200) that in turn comprises at least one camera arrangement (210) adapted to capture environmental images and a control unit (110) adapted to process the captured images to provide environment data. Each camera arrangement (210) comprises an image sensor (211) and at least two light sources (212a, 212b; 213a, 213b) adapted to emit light (401, 402, 403; 501, 502) towards the environment (503, 504). At least two co-operating light sources (212a, 212b; 213a, 213b) of said light sources have mutually different optical characteristics that confer mutually different light distribution characteristics.